Day two and things are heating up. Here are my picks for things to do today. Set times are included for shows that don't have flyers.

Ludlow St. action: Chocolate Bobka gets in on the day party action with a two-stage extravaganza at Pianos which offers a line-up of idiosyncratic artists (Woodsman, Family Portrait, La Big Vic and more) which sure to draw the Altered Zones contingent. (He's a contributor). Don't know many of the bands? Dude has a very good track record of picking soon-to-be-hyped talent. Trust the Bobka. Bands start at 12:30. Free.

The print version of Paste Magazine may be dead, but its CMJ day parties live on at the Living Room, with a line-up of acts any fan of The National is sure to like once they start playing them on KEXP. I kid, I kid. Big draw here is Martina Topley Bird, whose sultry pipes were so much of the appeal of those first two Tricky albums. Her new album, on Damon Albarn's label Honest John, is pretty good. Also playing: The Lines (stadium-ready Britrock), Gringo Star (catchy garage from Atlanta), Brooklyn duo Harper-Blynn and more. First band's on at 1:45. Free.

Just pay the six bucks, it'll be one less beer for you. The early show at Bruar Falls isn't associated with CMJ. You can get into the showcase afterwards with your badge if you really want to flaunt it.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. only played a "stripped down" three song set at Bruar Falls because the PA there couldn't handle them. They were actually debating whether they should play at all because a stripped down set would give people seeing them for the first time the wrong impression or some shit.